Free support at Living with Diabetes Day
Healthcare professionals will lead workshops on diabetes care at the Living with Diabetes Day in Exeter on October 22 from 9.30am – 4.30pm.
The free ‘Living with Diabetes Day’ organised by Diabetes UK is aimed at helping people who have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in the last few years to access the essential information they need to live well with the condition.
Healthcare professionals will provide information on local healthcare and the services available to people with Type 2 diabetes in the area. Experts will give workshops on the practical elements of living with Type 2 diabetes, such as diet, exercise, medication, travel and driving.
Nicky Hinton, senior clinical nurse specialist for diabetes, at the MacLeod Diabetes & Endocrine Centre, Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Diabetes is a serious condition that needs to be managed well by the individual with support from their healthcare team.
“The Living with Diabetes Day in Exeter is a great opportunity for people with Type 2 diabetes to gain more information on the best ways to manage the condition, ranging from advice on diet, to medication, to going on holiday.
“The day is designed to give people the tools and confidence to keep their condition under control to help minimise future health complications.”
Geoff Poad, from Exeter, said: “People with Type 2 diabetes in Exeter and the surrounding areas should attend this free Living with Diabetes Day if they can. I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes almost 20 years ago. I was increasingly tired, which I had put down to work, but it was a symptom of my diabetes. When I found out I had the condition I had lots of questions. I am very lucky as I have always received excellent diabetes care, but I know that many people do not, and they could find it incredibly useful to attend a free event that offers professional advice in one day.
Geoff, chair of the Diabetes UK Exeter Local Group, said: “There are a lot of myths around Type 2 diabetes, and a lot of people who come to the Diabetes UK Exeter Local Group have a lot of questions about how to manage the condition. My condition is well managed, but it is progressive, and I now take insulin injections to manage my blood glucose levels, along with taking tablets and watching my diet. The Living with Diabetes Day provides a unique opportunity that brings together healthcare professionals, dieticians and support groups all in one place. It’s a great way for people with Type 2 diabetes to get expert advice on the condition as well as being a good chance to meet other people with the condition.”
The day is one of a series of national events being held at 80 locations across the UK that are funded as part of the Diabetes UK National Charity Partnership with Tesco. The partnership aims to support the millions of people who have to live with diabetes every day; help hundreds of thousands of people take action to reduce their risk of Type 2 diabetes; and fund investment into ground-breaking research for a Type 1 vaccine.
There are limited places at the Living with Diabetes Day in Exeter, at the Exeter Racecourse, those interested in attending the full day event must register online at www.diabetes.org.uk/lwdd or email lwdd@diabetes.org.uk or call 0345 123 2399.
